Adidas executive James Gatto indicted in NCAA fraud case

Gatto was indicted for attempt and conspiracy to commit wire fraud

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Adidas executive James Gatto was indicted by a U.S. District Court on Tuesday for attempt and conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a NCAA basketball bribing scheme, according to court documents obtained by KOIN 6 News.

Gatto, a Wilsonville resident, is expected to be in court on Thursday morning. Fellow Adidas executive Merl Code and sports agent Christian Hawkins were also named as defendants in this specific indictment.

The NCAA bribe scheme came to light in September, rocking the college basketball world. Gatto, according to the indictment, conspired with college coaches sponsored by Adidas to make payments to high school players and their families in exchange for commitments to those schools.

Gatto was one of 10 people arrested and charged in September. Gatto also had complaints filed for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, but he’s only been indicted on attempt and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.